Course Descriptions

PS101General Psychology (3)An introduction to the principles and major concepts of the science of human behavior. Topics include the scientific method, sensation and perception, consciousness, development, learning and memory, language, cognition, intelligence, stress and coping, personality, psychopathology, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology. Prerequisite to all other Psychology courses. Ursuline Studies Stage I Self satellite.

PS 155 Learning Disabilities Program (1-4)On-campus program working with children experiencing learning, behavioral, and emotional problems in either an intense five-week summer camp setting or a Saturday morning social-recreational program. Weekly meetings for orientation, discussion of specific problems, and evaluation of the experience. Crosslisted with SO 155.

PS 211 Psychology of Adjustment (3)This course introduces the student to a variety of issues that contribute to overall mental health and well-being. Topics such as time management, stress, personality, gender, health, friendships, assertiveness, career development, bereavement, self-concept and self-esteem are addressed. Prerequisite: PS 101.

PS 219 Human Growth and Development I: Conception Through Childhood (3) Study of the physical, psychological, cognitive, moral, and social development of the human person from conception through childhood. Prerequisite: PS 101.

PS 221 Psychology of Vision (1)This course investigates how humans detect visual information in the environment and analyze the signals for the purpose of understanding them. Topics include psychophysics, depth perception, color vision and an emphasis on the interpretation and analysis of classroom data. This course is a "hands-on" experience in addition to classroom lecture. Prerequisites: PS101

PS 230 Lifespan Development (3)Study of the physical, psychological, cognitive, moral, and social development of the human person from conception through death. Prerequisite: PS 101.

PS 235 Career Development in Psychology (1)This course will provide the platform for the investigation of professional and career development in Psychology as well as the means to attain those specific career goals. A wide variety of career paths will be investigated as well as the more common choices students make. What do psychologists do? You'd be surprised. This course is great for psychology majors or those who are curious about becoming a psychology major. Prerequisite: PS101.

PS 260 Child and Adolescent Development (3)In-depth study of the physical, psychological, cognitive, moral and social development of the individual from conception through adolescence. Prerequisite: PS 101.

PS 288, 488 Special Topics (3,3)Prerequisite(s): PS 101; other prerequisites to be determined by the instructor on a course by course basis.

PS 305 Science: Good, Bad and Bogus (3)The course reviews in detail the application of the scientific method and critical thinking skills to contemporary psychological and medical treatments. This is an extensive review of both legitimate theories and current "bogus" clinical theories in psychology and science. The student learns a scientific detection kit to evaluate the efficacy and current theories in psychology. Prerequisites: PS 101, MAT 212, PS 322

PS 310 The Psychology of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (3)This course will review the clinical and research basis of the autism spectrum disorders. Emphasis will be placed on the current genetic and physiological underpinnings of this disorder. Applied Behavioral Analysis treatment modalities will be explored and discussed with regard to particular disorders and dysfunction. Prerequisite: PS 101.

PS 315 Changing Roles of Women (3)An examination of the traditional roles of women and the factors that have contributed to maintaining them, and an analysis of the changes which are occurring today and the effects of those changes on women, men, and society. Prerequisite: PS 101.

PS 322 Research Methods I (3)A study of the scientific inquiry. Emphasis is upon the formulation of research questions, development of the appropriate research methodology, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, and report writing. Specific techniques presented include tests and surveys, case studies, correlational methods and experiments. Students collect data under the supervision of the instructor and are responsible for the preparation of scientific reports. Prerequisites: PS 101; MAT 212.

PS 324 Research Methods II (5)Students are responsible for the construction and execution of an independent research study. Students may collaborate in small groups in the definition, development, execution, analysis, and presentation of the project. Students determine the area of investigation with the instructor's approval. Computer software is available to facilitate the construction of the research methodology should the investigator(s) choose to use it. Prerequisites: PS 101, 322; MAT 212.

PS 330 Abnormal Psychology (3)An investigation of the application of basic psychological theory and research to the problem of maladaptive behavior. Prerequisite: PS 101.

PS 340School Psychology (3)This course explores the role of the School Psychologist in the application of educational and clinical principles to diagnose learning and behavioral problems and psychopathology. Topics include the effective assessment, intervention, prevention, instruction and therapeutic techniques for the benefit of the student in the school and family environment. Prerequisite: PS 101.

PS 348Forensic Psychology (3)This course is an overview of the role of the psychologist interfacing with the legal and correctional systems. A range of offenders is investigated and how to perform a forensic psychological assessment is presented. The role of the sychologist as an expert witness on cases of violent crimes, not guilty by reason of insanity and competency to stand trial is discussed. The role of the psychologist evaluating police officers and correctional workers experiencing stress due to their occupations is also examined. Prerequisites: PS 101, 330 (or concurrent enrollment in PS 330)

PS 355 Sensation & Perception (3)This course investigates how humans detect information in the environment and analyze the signals for the purpose of understanding them. Topics include psychophysics, the study of the various sense modalities, and an emphasis on the interpretation and analysis of sensory information. Prerequisites: PS 101, 322; MAT 212.

PS 360 Industrial-Organizational Psychology (3) This course is the study of the application of psychological principles and theories to the workplace. This course addresses topics such as employee selection and placement, psychological testing, performance appraisal, training and development, leadership, motivation, job satisfaction, work conditions, organizational development, and health in the workplace. Prerequisites: PS101; MAT 212.

PS 365Personality Disorders and Criminal Behavior (3)This course will examine the specific diagnostic category of Personality Disorders and how this diagnosis relates to criminal activity. Special emphasis will be placed upon the Antisocial Personality Disorder, its etiology and behavior. The course will also focus on other Axis II factors including the Narcissistic Sociopath and how psychosis can be related to violent crime. The course will review Adolescent Conduct Disorders to the Adult Sociopath, including “white collar” crimes associated with this diagnosis. Prerequisites: PS 101, 330 (or concurrent enrollment in PS 330).

PS 370 Cognitive Therapy (3)A study of the procedures, terminology, and goals of cognitive behavior modification and the application of psychological principles in assisting children and adults with behavioral changes. Prerequisite: PS 101.

PS 372Psychological Profiling of Violent Offenders (3)This course will examine clinical and empirical characteristics of violent offenders. The description of these characteristics will be utilized to demonstrate how forensic psychologists aid the legal system in apprehending, sentencing, and providing rehabilitation for such individuals. Domestic Violence offenders, professional killers, impulse killers and serial killers will be examined. The evelopment of a behavioral profile for well-known offenders will be reviewed to illustrate how special crimes units operate with special reference to the Behavioral Crimes Unit of the FBI and its use of mental health professionals. Prerequisites: PS 101, 330 (or concurrent enrollment in PS 330).

PS 415 Counseling Theories (3)An examination of basic principles and selected current approaches to counseling; the psychophilosophical bases of the theories and their application to human relations in the counseling situation. Prerequisites: at least 9 hours of Psychology course work including PS 101.

PS 422 Social Psychology (3)An analysis of the influence of social groups on individual behavior, with special attention to recent research regarding public opinion, propaganda, intergroup relations, leadership, and group dynamics. Prerequisite: PS 101.

PS 424 Research Methods III (3)Students are responsible for the construction and execution of a novel research study. Students may collaborate in small groups in the definition, development, execution, analysis, and presentation of the project. Students determine the area of investigation with the instructor's approval. Computer software is available to facilitate the construction of the research methodology should the investigator(s) choose to use it. Prerequisite: PS 324.

PS 430 Physiological Psychology (3)An understanding of the cellular and neural bases of behavior and the structure and function of the nervous system. Prerequisites: at least 9 hours of Psychology course work including PS 101.

PS 445 Senior Clinical Research (3)This Seminar addresses the research interests of students aspiring to a graduate career in clinical psychology. The course involves the application of basic research skills that focuses upon (1) the research design and implementation of original research in a bona fide clinical area; (2) an exhaustive review of the literature in a specified clinic topic supervised by the instructor. The course is designed to focus students' research and clinical interests and involves the production of a major research paper to be presented to the class and invited guests. Prerequisites: PS 101, MAT 212, PS 322

PS 480 Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology (3) An introduction to the basic concepts of neuropsychology.The basic brain-behavior systems underlying attention/concentration, language, memory, vision and audition. Basic assessment protocols that assist the professional in dealing with individuals suffering from chair injuries, vascular disease, accidents, and dementias. Rehabilitation planning is reviewed in the context of a multidisciplinary team approach. Prerequisites: PS 101, 335 or 430; MAT 212; junior status or above.

PS 490 Capstone Course in Psychology (3)This course culminates the psychology major's study by reviewing all major areas in the academic discipline. The course is both a review of undergraduate studies and a preparation for graduate studies in psychology. Prerequisite: Psychology major with senior status.

PS 199, 299, 399, 499 External Learning Assessment (credit varies) Measurable and verifiable learning that has occurred outside of the traditional classroom. Numerical designation indicates level of proficiency in the topic. Courses for which there is an exact Ursuline College equivalent are listed by the appropriate numerical designation. "PL" is listed before all course titles for which credit is granted through external learning assessment.